MA in Human Geography Research (GEOT05 and GEOT09)

The MA in Human Geography Research is a cross-cutting Masters that aims to develop student's specialised and substantive research knowledge in the field of human geography, as well as generic research skills, including project design and management, oral and written communication and the use of information technology. ESRC (1+3) recognition for the MA ensures that students are eligible for ESRC PhD funding, and serves as a general 'kite mark' of high-quality postgraduate teaching and training.

The MA in Human Geography Research is open to students on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students are registered for one full year (ie October – September). Part-time students complete their studies over two years.

The primary purpose of this MA is to provide a basis for higher-level (PhD) work in social sciences. In the UK, it is increasingly recognised that undergraduate (BA and BSc) programmes no longer provide sufficient training in the skills and subject specialisms necessary for PhD-level research.

Graduates from the MA in Human Geography Research have gone on to further PhD research, both in the department and in other Geography departments in the UK. They have also followed research-based careers in the public sector, in non-governmental organisations, and in private industry.

Course structure

The MA in Human Geography Research comprises four elements that make up 180 credits of study:

  1. training in generic social science research methods (45 credits)
  2. discipline-specific methods training in human geography (60 credits)
  3. substantive subject training in chosen specialist areas of human geography (15 credits)
  4. a research dissertation (60 credits)

Core modules

Theoretical Issues in Human Geography
Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography
Quantitative Research Methods in Human Geography
The Research Proposal
The Research Process
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
MA dissertation

Optional modules

In consultation with a postgraduate tutor, students also choose an optional module aimed to develop an understanding of the specific field in which the dissertation and subsequent PhD study will be based. Options may be chosen from the following list of modules or from another programme with permission of the Master's coordinator.

Identity and Difference
Consumption Cultures
Postcolonial Geography and Spatial Politics
Politics, Place and Governance
Researching Practice
HIV/AIDS
Living with Climate Change
Urban Inequalities
Health Inequalities
Global Inequalities